New Research

Developments of bionanodevices using DNA

DNA, a well-known biomacromolecule which contains gene characteristics, is recently focused on its applications for nanotechnologies. DNA is expected to be a nanometer-size functional nanomaterial, for example, an application of its double strand nanowires substitute for metallic lead lines. In order to develop the frontier bionanodevices, we are carrying out fundamental researches on physicochemical phenomena observed in nanometer systems, using applied mathematics, computer simulations and advanced molecular measurement technologies. Properties of DNA have not been clarified enough yet because of the complicated molecular structures composed of various kinds of molecules. It is particularly considered that combinations of base molecules, such as adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G) and thymine (T), play an important role for the functions. In order for technological applications of DNA, it is required to understand the fundamental characteristics and to elucidate a procedure to develop the functions. In our recent report, the behavior of electrons in DNA has been theoretically investigated. It is predicted that stacks of guanine bases well respond to the external electric perturbations. Figures show three base pairs of DNA fragments and electron wave functions. Figure 1 shows an electron which responds to the external electric field and Figure 2 shows an electron which responds to the approach of an external positive charge. We are studying not only on bionanotechnology but also on medical devices, such as artificial inner ear and artificial heart, and on fuel cell and lithium ion rechargeable battery. Please find the details and the other information on our laboratory web site.